I just saw where “Arlington Mansion” is on the Mississippi Heritage Trust — 2009 Top Ten Most Endangered Places in Mississippi. I immediately began searching the Internet to see why. I read about the history and the fire in 2001, which nearly destroyed the second floor and roof. I read that many of the artifacts were saved through community efforts; yet now, the mansion lies in a state of deterioration due to the elements and vandals.

It would truly be a great loss for Natchez and the nation to let this grand lady go down in this manner. The state of Texas recently experienced a similar situation in the criminal act of someone torching their beautiful antebellum Governor’s Mansion. Through diligent action in their state a fund was set up to begin the repairs and save their treasure.

Even though Arlington is privately owned, isn’t there someway that the community or state of Mississippi can begin efforts to set the course of history on a path of restoration and preservation of this historic treasure? I would love for someone to just list the steps involved to get the ball rolling so that we can save this great lady.

Tommy Casey

Jackson resident